Page 189 - The Voice of Authority

Lead from the Front Lines, Not the Sidelines

Leading from the sidelines is telling people what to do and
watching to see that they do it. Leading from the front lines
means deciding together with those involved in the situa-
tion what needs to be done.
Leading from the sidelines is reacting to what people tell
you has happened. Leading from the front lines means tak-
ing charge of the situation.
Leading from the sidelines is talking to people about
what they did wrong after the fact. Leading from the front
lines means communicating about how to get it right the
first time.
As a practice, leading from the front lines means you
must be present with your team “in the thick of things.”
Listening to what people
are saying. Asking ques-
It’s much easier to be tions. Chitchatting daily.
critical than to be correct. Finding out what’s on their
—Benjamin Disraeli minds. Getting their “take”
on the situation. Asking for
their input as situations de-
velop. Communicating pros and cons as you make deci-
sions and implement plans along the way.
While it may be possible to control a group’s view from
afar, it’s far easier to influence their thinking as you walk
shoulder to shoulder than to shout commands from the
sidelines.

Let Leaders Leak with Your Blessing

Let other people—your staff, your administrative assis-
tant, your team leaders—pass on information rather than

Is It Circular? 177